Melodie was arrested around 4:00 p.m. upon arrival in Bujumbura City on 31st August 2022.
His arrest was also confirmed by Burundi’s Ministry of Interior, Community Development and Public Security on the same day which indicated that he was held in custody for investigation over swindling.
Sources revealed that Melodie was taken into Police custody as soon as he left the airport for interrogation on the accusations filed by a man identified as Toussaint who had invited him to stage a concert in 2018.
The artiste had to perform in Burundi on 25th December 2018 but missed out. Later on, it was reported that the organizer asked for reimbursement.
As he was arrested in Burundi this week, sources reveal, the man demanded Bruce Melodie to refund the advance of US$2000 he had paid him out of US$6 million contract to stage a concert and provide 30 million Burundian Francs in compensation of incurred losses.
It is said that Melodie paid the money but was obliged to pay more Rwf12 million which he did and released to proceed with concerts on last minute.
Melodie was released in the evening of Friday 2nd September 2022.
The annual baby mountain gorilla naming ceremony locally known as ‘Kwita Izina’ is the first held in person since 2019 following the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic.
Today’s ceremony which took place at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park marked the 18th edition of the international conservation event held in Rwanda.
It brought together global leaders, philanthropists, conservation champions as well as sports, music and fashion stars among the distinguished guests given the honour of naming a baby mountain gorilla.
Since the naming ceremony began in 2005, 354 baby gorillas have been given names. Today, Rwanda is home to one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and the population is steadily increasing.
The 20 baby gorillas named are members of the Noheli, Musilikali, Ntambara, Mutobo, Igisha, Susa, Kureba, Pablo, Sabyinyo, Muhoza, Amahoro, and Hirwa families.
Figures from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) indicate that visitors of Volcanoes National Park have been steadily increasing, hence contributing to the tourism sector at large.
In the past six months of 2022, the park generated US$11 million from US$6 million and US$5.9 of 2021 and 2020 respectively. Before the outset ofCOVID-19 in 2019, the park had generated US$21.9 million.
Despite adverse effects of COVID-19, Rwanda’s efforts to promote tourism have seen revenues increasing steadily following the drop by 70% owing to effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year, Rwanda registered an increase by 25% in tourism revenues reaching US$164 million up from US$131 million of 2020. In 2019, the country had generated US$498 million from tourism.
The Prince of Whales, Charles was among namers but attended the event virtually.
Other namers at today’s Kwita Izina include Louise Mushikiwabo, the Secretary-General of Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF); football legend Didier Drogba; Salima Mukansanga, an International Football Referee; Sauti Sol musical band and Sir Ian Clark Wood, Chairman of The Wood Foundation among others.
Kwita Izina 2022 was also attended by diplomats accredited to Rwanda and top government officials including Premier, Dr. Edouard Ngirente as the guest of honour who was joined by the First Lady of Rwanda, Mrs Jeannette Kagame.
Premier Ngirente who represented the Head of State commended all participants of the event and extended appreciation to residents in the outskirts of national parks for being good conservation partners.
“The act of giving a name to baby gorillas is a symbol of Rwanda’s commitment to these majestic animals, and our belief in the power of nature to be a force for socio-economic transformation. Today, Rwanda is home to one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and the population is increasing every year,” he said.
“Our natural ecosystems and national parks represent an important natural and cultural heritage that we hold in trust for future generations. Our key challenge now, and in the future, is to sustain and maintain these natural ecosystems,” added Premier Ngirente.
Since 2005, the Government of Rwanda initiated the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme which aims at guiding investment in the areas surrounding the various national parks in Rwanda by ensuring that a portion of all park revenues is given back to the communities.
In 2017, the percentage allocated for community projects increased from 5% to 10%.
Premier Ngirente has also disclosed a project under consideration to expand Volcanoes National Park is expected to increase the portion of revenues distributed among residents.
He also requested namers and guests who joined Rwanda at the event to continue advocating for intensified efforts to promote conservation.
During her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, Clare Akamanzi noted: “In Rwanda, we have witnessed the benefits of deliberate, consistent and comprehensive conservation by the Government of Rwanda, and our valuable conservation partners. In our recent census, the mountain gorilla population had grown by 26% over 6 years. The 20 baby gorillas we have given names to today add to that sustainable future. And the presence of all of you today individually and collectively help to secure their future.”
{{2022 Kwita Izina Gorilla Babies and Namers}}
{{Ubwuzuzanye – ‘Harmony’}}
This baby was born on 29 April 2022 to Agasaro of the Muhoza family of mountain gorillas and was named by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. The name was chosen to raise awareness of the need for humanity to come together as one to protect our environment and achieve sustainable development.
{{Kwibohora – ‘Liberation’}}
Born on 15 September 2021 to Ubuntu of the Igisha family of mountain gorillas, this baby was given a name by international football referee Salima Mukansanga. The name was chosen to highlight the role liberation has played in conservation as a foundation of sustainable tourism and development.
{{Nyirindekwe – ‘Protector’}}
This male baby gorilla was born on 21 January 2022 and was named by Stewart Maginnis, the Deputy Director General of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The name was chosen to celebrate the protective nature of the mountain gorillas, and their role as guardians of their forest habitat.
{{Imbaduko – ‘Vivacity’}}
Akamaro’s daughter from the Kureba family of mountain gorillas was born on 12 October last year and was named by Professional Racing Driver and Presenter, Naomi Schiff. The name was chosen to celebrate the unwavering commitment of the Rwandan people to the protection of the mountain gorillas.
{{Ubusugire – ‘Integrity’}}
This new addition to the Pablo mountain gorilla family was born on 9 December 2021 and was given a name by Sir Ian Clark Wood, KT, GBE, Chairman of The Wood Foundation. The name was chosen to celebrate the efforts of communities and conservationists to protect and ensure the integrity of Rwanda’s biodiverse national parks.
{{Intare – ‘Lion’}}
Named after the Chairman of the Rwanda Development Board, Itzhak Fisher’s Father-in-Law, a Holocaust survivor who was called Leo, which means lion, this male baby gorilla was born on 1 August 2022 and is a new member of the Hirwa family. The name was also chosen by Itzhak Fisher to recognise an important conservation milestone in Rwanda, the successful reintroduction of lions in Akagera National Park.
{{Ubwitange – ‘Sacrifice’}}
This name was given to Nsanganira’s son of the Ntambara family of mountain gorillas by Philanthropist and Entrepreneur, Dr. Cindy Descalzi Pereira and chosen to recognize the selflessness and dedication of park staff, local communities and conservation partners to the conservation of biodiversity.
{{Ruragendwa – ‘Hospitable’}}
The Board Director, Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa, Thomas Milz gave this name to a male baby mountain gorilla from the Noheli family that was chosen to recognize the welcoming nature of Rwandans, and the famous Rwandan hospitality visitors enjoy when visiting the country.
{{Ihuriro – ‘Hub’}}
Umutuzo’s son that was born in May this year was given this name by legendary Senegalese musician, Youssou N’Dour. The name was chosen to showcase Rwanda as a vibrant hub for music, fashion and culture, as well as eco-tourism and investment.
{{Ikuzo – ‘Admirable’}}
Umwe’s daughter from the Noheli family was given this name by Paris Saint-Germain football legend, Juan Pablo Sorin to recognise the admirable and noble nature of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. She was born on 13 December 2021.
{{Indatezuka – ‘Resilient’}}
This name was chosen to highlight the resilience of the Rwandan people and the protection of the country’s biodiversity. It was given to Igitangaza’s daughter of the Mutobo group of mountain gorillas by the Chief Executive Officer of the African Wildlife Foundation, Kaddu Sebunya. The baby gorilla was born on 13 September 2021.
{{Turikumwe – ‘We Are Together’}}
The Secretary General of La Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo, had the honour of giving this name to a newborn baby gorilla from the Ntambara family to highlight the importance of working together to achieve successful conservation outcomes, and to recognise the many partners who contribute to protecting the mountain gorillas.
{{Igicumbi – ‘Sanctuary’}}
Veterinarian and Television Presenter, Dr Evan Antin gave this name to a baby mountain gorilla from the Susa family. It is a name that celebrates Rwanda’s protected areas as sanctuaries of rich and unique biodiversity, and is a call to protect wild places all around the world.
{{Indangagaciro – ‘Values’}}
Chosen to highlight the value Rwanda attaches to preservation and conservation, this name was given to Ubufantanye’s daughter from the Musilikare family of mountain gorillas born on 15 August 2021 in Volcanoes National Park. Neri Bukspan, the Managing Director of Standard & Poor’s Credit Market Service was honoured to give the name to the baby.
{{Muganga Mwiza – ‘Good Doctor’}}
Laurene Powell Jobs, Founder and President of Emerson Collective gave this name to Umwari’s baby gorilla from the Susa family in honour of the late Dr Paul Farmer – a great friend to Rwanda and a great friend to Laurene. Paul’s vision for a more just and equitable world lives on through the University of Global Health Equity and Partners in Health.
{{Baho – ‘Live’ }}
Founder and President of Luntz Global, Dr. Frank Luntz gave this name to a male baby gorilla from the Susa family. The name was chosen to celebrate the sustained life of mountain gorillas, and their bright future thanks to conservation efforts.
{{Imararungu – ‘Cheerful’}}
Chosen to represent the joyful and entertaining nature of gorillas, this name was given to Umuco’s daughter who was born on 4 August 2021. American actor, Uzo Aduba had the honour of naming her during today’s Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming ceremony.
{{Impanda – ‘Trumpet’}}
Arsenal Football Club Legend, Gilberto Silva, gave the name to Umutungo’s son from the Sabyinyo family of mountain gorillas. The name was chosen to serve as a call to action for us all to play our part in protecting and restoring biodiversity.
{{Kwanda – ‘Expand’}}
With the growing need to expand the mountain gorilla habitat through the Volcanoes National Park Expansion Programme, this name was given to a male baby gorilla born on 12 October 2021 by Moses Turahirwa, Creative Director of Rwandan fashion brand, Moshions.
{{Ishami – ‘Offspring’}}
Football legend Didier Drogba gave this name to a male baby gorilla that was born on 28 July 2022 to Twiyubake, a member of the Muhoza family of mountain gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park. The name symbolises the importance of the newborn gorillas as “offsprings” of expansion and growth.
{{Kwisanga – ‘Feel At Home’}}
Kenyan musical band, Sauti Sol had the honour of naming a newly formed mountain gorilla family living in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park as a celebration of the peaceful splitting of the Kwitonda family that left both groups having an equal number of members. Since Kwisanga and Kwitonda were formed, the groups have met a number of times without any aggressive interactions, allowing members from the two families to meet and socialise.
{{About Kwita Izina}}
The Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony is a modelled off centuries-old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. For three decades before the first official gorilla naming ceremony, park rangers and researchers named Rwanda’s mountain gorilla babies to monitor each gorilla in their family and habitat.
In 2005, Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature. By giving a name to these majestic animals, they are given the value they undoubtedly deserve.
The ceremony is, first and foremost, an opportunity to thank the communities that live around the gorilla habitat, Volcanoes National Park, research partners, vets and the dedicated conservationists, rangers and trackers who protect the gorillas daily.
Over the last fifteen years, more than 350 mountain gorillas have been named.
Today, Kwita Izina forms part of an ambitious strategy to preserve Rwanda’s natural heritage and further expand the role of tourism in the country’s transformation. As a result of the naming ceremony, Rwandans from all walks of life understand the intrinsic value of gorillas and their contribution to the country’s economic prosperity. Rwandans have become gorilla guardians.
Overall, Rwanda has emerged as a conservation and sustainable tourism leader on the continent. For instance, during the 2010 Census, there were 480 mountain gorillas, the 2016 Census report indicated 604 individuals in the Virunga Massif.
These efforts have contributed to the increase in mountain gorillas worldwide (1,063) and are categorised as no longer critically endangered.
[{{Click this link to view more pictures about this event}}->https://igihe.com/ubukerarugendo/article/live-abaturage-abayobozi-b-ibyamamare-bakoraniye-mu-kinigi-mu-kwita-izina]
She made the revelation on Wednesday 31st August 2022 as she inspected Huye Stadium which was recently renovated to meet international standards.
Minister Munyagaju visited the stadium along with the Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Ernest Nsabimana; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Didier Shema Maboko and the President of Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), Olivier Mugabo Nizeyimana.
Some of key aspects that were taken into consideration during the renovation works include media area, changing room, public toilets and bathrooms for players as well as the roofing.
After touring the facility, Mimosa told the media that the stadium is in a good state and ready to host international matches.
“The stadium’s significance to Rwanda and Amavubi as we have always said, is that it will enable Rwanda to host home matches. The completion of Huye Stadium is a pride to Rwanda and Rwandans. We will be able to host games starting from the one scheduled this Saturday,” she said.
“We are delighted with its design and installed equipment. Everything in the stadium is of good quality,” added Mimosa.
She explained that they have been working with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) since renovation activities began to ensure smooth execution of the project.
{{Management }}
Minister Mimosa revealed that Huye Stadium is under the management of Huye District which will work closely with the ministry for efficiency. She however stressed that they are considering third party to take over the management.
“The stadium is currently under the management of the district but we are working together to find third parties to manage stadiums as per designed policy to ensure they are well maintained and generate returns to the country,” she said.
The contractor has fast tracked renovation works since April so that Rwanda can host Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in the country.
On Saturday 3rd September 2022, Rwanda’s national football team – Amavubi will host Ethiopia at the completed Huye Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
The stadium has the capacity of accommodating 7900 people.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that the discussions took place on Thursday 1st September 2022.
The diplomatic and political consultations between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs is a continuation of the commitment of the Heads of State to further deepen and strengthen the cordial bilateral relations between the two sisterly countries.
They are held at a time when efforts to mend both countries’ relations are on good progress.
Rwanda, Uganda relations worsened since 2017 where Rwanda expressed concerns over Rwandans who travel to Uganda for business purposes but are abducted, imprisoned and tortured accused of being spies.
Rwanda also accused Uganda of hosting dissidents posing threat to national security.
In 2019, the Government of Rwanda closed Gatuna border and officially advised citizens against travelling to Uganda for their security following testimonies of over 1000 Rwandans tortured and deported from Uganda.
In August 2019, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame signed a memorandum of understanding ‘Luanda Agreement’ in a bid to solve conflicts between both countries.
Negotiations did not yield expected results until efforts to mend Rwanda and Uganda relations took shape in February this year following the visits of Lt Gen Muhoozi, the first born son of Uganda’s President who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Since he was involved in the process to restore relations to normal, Lt Gen Muhoozi has been warning Rwanda’s dissidents that they have no place in Uganda. He revealed that no official fighting Rwanda would retain job in Uganda.
Lt Gen Muhoozi also echoed similar message in February this year where he warned Rwanda’s dissident Kayumba Nyamwasa against using his country to threaten the neighbouring country’s security.
His first visit to Rwanda was on 22nd January 2022, a move that was followed by the reopening of Gatuna border.
Later on, Rwanda reopened all land borders on 7th March 2022.
Lt Gen Muhoozi visited Rwanda for the second time on 14th March 2022 where he held talks with President Kagame on pending issues affecting bilateral relations.
On the occasion of his birthday celebration in April this year, Lt Gen Muhoozi said that both countries currently have good relations with optimism that the situation would improve further in the future.
A joint statement released after the meeting held today, shows that both ministers acknowledged the ongoing progress made so far to normalize bilateral relations.
“They reiterated their commitment to focus efforts on the mutual regional security and development issues that impact on the socio-economic welfare of the peoples of the two countries,” reads part of the statement.
The ministers also appreciated the leadership of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his counterpart of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for their continued commitment to revive and strengthen bilateral relations.
Additionally, the ministers recognized President Kagame’s visit to Uganda and the subsequent Museveni’s visit to Rwanda during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM2022) as a strong signal toward renewed bilateral relations.
As the statement reads, the ministers exchanged views on regional matters relating to security, trade, investment and strategic regional projects.
Among others, they agreed to review and revive bilateral cooperation in the different areas of interest by convening the next Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Uganda.
The ministers agreed that the next Joint Permanent Commission which will be hosted by the Republic of Rwanda by March 2023; will focus on critical areas taking into consideration the outcomes of the last Joint Permanent Commission.
Minister Biruta and his counterpart, Gen Odongo expressed gratitude for the steps taken to renew good and cordial relations between the two sister countries highlighting that they look forward to seeing the people of both Rwanda and Uganda enjoying the full benefits of the cordial relations.
This year marks the 18th edition of the international conservation event, and is the first time the ceremony is set to take place in person since 2019 following the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic.
Held in Kinigi at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, the Namers will join communities living around Volcanoes National Park, the home of the endangered mountain gorillas, as well as rangers, trackers, researchers and friends from around the world in the ultimate celebration of nature and conservation.
The event will feature a naming ceremony of 20 baby mountain gorillas born in the park over the last 12 months and one newly formed family group. Since the naming ceremony began in 2005, 354 baby gorillas have been given names. Today, Rwanda is home to one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and the population is steadily increasing.
The 20 baby gorillas to be named are members of the Noheli, Musilikali, Ntambara, Mutobo, Igisha, Susa, Kureba, Pablo, Sabyinyo, Muhoza, Amahoro, and Hirwa families.
Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, says this year’s Kwita Izina will be a celebration of conservation and the return of tourism.
“We’re delighted to be back in Kinigi in Rwanda’s Northern Province, near the habitat of these majestic creatures for Kwita Izina, two years since our last in-person ceremony. Initiatives such as the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony play a major role in conserving gorillas. Thanks to Rwanda’s conservation efforts, we have improved the gorilla trekking experience for our visitors and increased the support to local communities through our Tourism Revenue Sharing programme,” she said.
“We are also happy to celebrate the safe return of tourism to Rwanda, after managing the Covid-19 pandemic well. We look forward to continuing to protect our natural heritage, providing world class experiences that highlight the diverse natural beauty of Rwanda, while also ensuring that Rwandans benefit from tourism and conservation,” added Akamanzi.
{{Below is the list of 2022 Kwita Izina Baby Gorilla Namers:}}
-* The Prince of Wales (virtually)
-* Uzo Aduba – American Actress
-* Dr Evan Antin – Veterinarian and Television Presenter
-* Neri Bukspan – Managing Director, Standard & Poor’s Credit Market Service
-* Dr Cindy Descalzi Pereira – Philanthropist and Entrepreneur
-* Didier Drogba – Football Legend
-* Itzhak Fisher – Chairman, Rwanda Development Board
-* Laurene Powell Jobs – Founder and President, Emerson Collective
-* Dr Frank I. Luntz – Founder and President, Luntz Global
-* Stewart Maginnis – Deputy Director General, International Union for the Conservation of Nature
-* Thomas Milz – Board Director, Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa
-* Salima Mukansanga – International Football Referee
-* Louise Mushikiwabo – Secretary-General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie
-* Youssou N’Dour – Musician
-* Naomi Schiff – Professional Racing Driver and Presenter
-* Kaddu Sebunya – CEO, African Wildlife Foundation
-* Gilberto Silva – Arsenal Football Club Legend
-* Sauti Sol – Musical Band
-* Juan Pablo Sorin – Paris Saint-Germain Legend
-* Moses Turahirwa – Creative Director, Moshions
-* Sir Ian Clark Wood, KT, GBE – Chairman, The Wood Foundation
{{About Kwita Izina}}
The Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony is a modelled off centuries-old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. For three decades before the first official gorilla naming ceremony, park rangers and researchers named Rwanda’s mountain gorilla babies to monitor each gorilla in their family and habitat.
In 2005, Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature. By giving a name to these majestic animals, they are given the value they undoubtedly deserve.
The ceremony is, first and foremost, an opportunity to thank the communities that live around the gorilla habitat, Volcanoes National Park, research partners, vets and the dedicated conservationists, rangers and trackers who protect the gorillas daily.
Over the last fifteen years, more than 350 mountain gorillas have been named.
Today, Kwita Izina forms part of an ambitious strategy to preserve Rwanda’s natural heritage and further expand the role of tourism in the country’s transformation. As a result of the naming ceremony, Rwandans from all walks of life understand the intrinsic value of gorillas and their contribution to the country’s economic prosperity. Rwandans have become gorilla guardians.
Overall, Rwanda has emerged as a conservation and sustainable tourism leader on the continent. For instance, during the 2010 Census, there were 480 mountain gorillas, the 2016 Census report indicated 604 individuals in the Virunga Massif.
These efforts have contributed to the increase in mountain gorillas worldwide (1,063) and are categorised as no longer critically endangered.
Bamporiki was suspended from his duties in May this year owing to matters of accountability that were under investigation and placed under house arrest.
Following his suspension, Bamporiki posted a message on his Twitter handle admitting that he received a bribe and apologized to the President of the Republic.
Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) recently confirmed to IGIHE that it submitted Bamporiki’s case file in July 2022.
The Spokesperson of the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA), Faustin Nkusi has told IGIHE that a lawsuit was filed after receiving the dossier.
“We received the dossier on 8th July 2022 and filed a lawsuit to the court on 24th August 2022. The hearing will begin at Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on 16th September 2022,” he said.
Article 4 of the law N° 54/2018 of 13/08/2018 on fighting against corruption states that any person who offers, solicits, accepts or receives, by any means, an illegal benefit for himself/ herself or another person or accepts a promise in order to render or omit a service under his or her mandate or uses his or her position to render or omit a service, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of more than five (5) years but not more than seven (7) years with a fine of three (3) to five (5) times the value of the illegal benefit offered, solicited or received.
“Bruce Melodie is held in custody for investigation over swindling,” reads a tweet posted by the ministry.
The statement was released last night after the artiste had spent hours in Police custody for interrogation over the money he allegedly swindled from a company which invited him for a live concert in 2018 but didn’t perform.
Bruce Melodie was arrested around 4:00 p.m. as he arrived in Bujumbura City on 31st August 2022 to perform in different concerts.
As soon as he left the airport, Bruce Melodie was taken into Police custody for interrogation on the accusations filed by a man identified as Toussaint who had invited him in 2018.
The artiste had to perform in Burundi on 25th December 2018 but missed out.
Later on, it was reported that the organizer asked for reimbursement.
The man wants Bruce Melodie to refund the advance of US$2000 he had paid him out of US$6 million contract to stage a concert and provide 30 million Burundian Francs in compensation of incurred losses.
IGIHE has learnt that the artiste agreed to refund the advance of US$2000 but rejected the request of paying 30 million Burundian Francs claiming that he is not aware of related transactions.
The article 301 of Burundian Penal Code stipulates that anyone convicted of swindling is liable to a sentence between two months and five years and a fine ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 Burundian Francs or one of the two penalties.
Around 10:00 p.m, journalists were still waiting for Bruce Melodie in a press conference which has been postponed to 1st September 2022.
Bruce Melodie is expected to stage two concerts in Burundi on 2nd and 3rd September at Zion Beach and Officers’ Mess respectively.
The nationals including five women and four children were arrested on 22nd August 2022 after illegally crossing into DRC as they collected firewood in the plain separating both countries.
The nine Rwandans arrived in Rwanda through the main border in Rubavu District known as ‘La Corniche’ on Tuesday 30th August 2022.
The Mayor of Rubavu District, Ildephonse Kambogo has said that these Rwandans were released through cordial relations between leaders of Goma and Rubavu towns. He also advised residents against illegal crossing of borders.
“We liaised with leaders of Goma town to locate them. They brought them back home yesterday. As neighbouring towns, we signed cooperation agreements in different areas. This is a fruit of our visit to the town,” he said.
“We have requested residents nearby the plain to avoid illegal crossings. They have drawn a lesson from this situation because it has necessitated the country’s intervention to bring them back. They could even face serious problems,” added Kambogo.
The group’s total assets also increased by 16.8% to Rwf1.6 trillion (US$ 1,602.2 million) compared to the same period last year.
Net interest income grew to Rwf67.3 billion; with net interest margin decreasing to 9.5% from 10.9% in 2021. As at June 30th, 2022, BK Group Plc was adequately capitalized with Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets at 22.8%.
Among others, shareholders’ equity increased to Rwf 296.5 billion, up 9.4% while liquid Assets by Total Deposits stood at 45.4% as at June 30th, 2022 an increase from 41.6% in the same period last year.
BK Group Plc is the mother company of four subsidiaries including Bank of Kigali, BK General Insurance, BK TechHouse and BK Capital Ltd.
{{Subsidiaries’ performance}}
{{Bank of Kigali Plc}}
On the side of Bank of Kigali, net loans and advances increased by 10.6% to Rwf1.0 trillion (US$ 988.9 million), client balances and deposits increased by 19.6% to Rwf1.0 trillion (US$ 1,000.2 million)
The bank also served 422,513 retail customers and 46,648 corporate clients; expanded the Agency Banking Network to 3,853 agents and processed over 1.8 million transactions worth Rwf314.4 million.
As at 30th June 2022, the lender had 68 branches, 98 ATMs and 3,099 Point of Sales (POS) terminals that accepted most international cards including VISA and MasterCard.
Among others; retail clients’ balances and deposits reached Rwf288.1 billion, corporate banking clients’ balances and deposits were Rwf 743.4 billion as June 30th, 2022.
BK Quick now has over 20,066 new registered customers as at June 30th, 2022; and has disbursed over Rwf1.2 billion.
BK’s IKOFI wallet has also registered over 1,852 agro-dealers/agents and over 264,066 registered farmers as at 30th June 2022.
Commenting on the performance; Dr. Diane Karusisi, the Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Kigali Plc said: “Bank of Kigali Plc recorded good performance in Q2 & 1H 2022; our loan book has not grown in line with expectations but we are seeing improvement in asset quality reflecting post-COVID recovery which allows us to record a solid 1st half performance. We look forward to a greater second half of 2022.”
{{BK General Insurance}}
BK Insurance registered a profit of Rwf1.5 billion as at the first half of 2022 compared to Rwf1.2 billion registered in the same period last year, representing 28% growth in profitability.
Gross premium increased to Rwf4.9 billion in the first half of 2022 from Rwf4.1 billion in same period last year; reflecting a 21% growth year-on-year.
Total assets decreased by 28% y-o-y to Rwf21.4 billion in the first half of 2022.
{{BK TecHouse}}
BK TecHouse registered a sales revenue of Rwf574.4 million in the first half of 2022 compared to Rwf486.9 million in the same period last year; representing a 18% growth y-o-y.
As at 30th June 2022, BK TecHouse registered over 2.8 million digital consumers where 2.5 million are from Agri-Tech; 301 thousand from Edu-Tech and 13 thousand from civil society and religious organizations.
{{BK Capital Ltd}}
BK Capital’s net operating income rose to 383 million in the first half of 2022; a 54% growth from the same period last year due to increased trading on the Rwanda Stock Exchange and sustainable growth in the fund management assets under management.
The Assets under management (AUM) for the Fund management business have grown to Rwf26 billion in the first half of 2022; representing a 49.7% y-o-y growth mainly driven by net inflow in Aguka Unit Trust Fund, which continues to attract new investments based on its value proposition.
Within the Brokerage Business, BK Capital increased bond and equity trading due to an overall RSE turnover growth of 157% and 250% y-o-y in bond and equity, respectively.
Béata Habyarimana, the Chief Executive Officer of BK Group Plc has commended the four subsidiaries’ performance and expressed optimism for further improvements in the second half of this year.
“Great results from all our subsidiaries; I am happy with what the Group’s management team has done in the first half of 2022. Our shareholders and investors will be happy with the sustainability of the Group’s results and financial position. Our Net income increased by a significant 24.5% y-o-y, while our total assets increased by 16.8% y-o-y. We remain focused on delivering higher value for our shareholders and plan to report even better numbers the second half of 2022,” she said.
{{About BK Group Plc}}
Established in 1966, BK Group Plc is a group company registered with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and licensed under Law No. 08/99. Bank of Kigali is the largest bank in Rwanda by Total Assets, with 32.2% market share as at March 31st, 2022.
The Group has a short-term credit rating of A1+ and a long-term rating of AA-, with a stable outlook, from Global Credit Rating (GCR). BK Group Plc is listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange as well as the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
Bamporiki previously served as the State Minister in the Ministry of Youth and Culture.
He was suspended from his duties in May this year owing to matters of accountability that were under investigation.
The Spokesperson of RIB, Dr. Murangira B. Thierry has told IGIHE that Bamporiki is facing corruption related charges.
“From 5th May, Bamporiki Edouard was under investigation over the crime of soliciting, receiving or offering a bribe. As of now, his case file has been transferred to the Prosecution,” he said.
Bamporiki’s dossier was handed over to the Prosecution on 7th July 2022.
Following his suspension, Bamporiki posted a message on his social media accounts admitting that he received a bribe and apologized to the President of the Republic.
Rwanda’s penal code stipulates that soliciting, receiving or offering a bribe attracts a sentence between five and seven years and a fine between three to five times of received or offered bribe.
